Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bonkweesha - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one of teh best cars that i have ever driven. All of you should seriously consider buying this car. The engine is quiet and it is extremely fuel efficient. I have saved so much money from this car. I know that this car will sono pay for itself from all teh money that I am saving from gas, especially now that gas prices are at an all time high

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  Avalon the best in its class - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By susieislandgirl - August 10 - 2:00 am

  nothing but good, cant wait for the new 05 model, buying another one.

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  2004 Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By JaxBon - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Corolla!! I own a 1994 model, with 186,000 miles on it, and it still runs like I just drove it off the lot. There is such a huge loyalty factor when dealing with Toyota cars. I dont know of another manuf. with such reliablity. I definitely expect my 2004 model do treat me as well as my "old" one--which, by the way, my husband and I chose to keep! I love all of the improvements. They definitely made all of the right changes.

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  Love my little rabbit - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By curtiss Andover - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Wow,friends getting tired of me bragging about 30+ MPG in the city.Best radio Ive ever had.Pulls in clear stations 100 miles away in DAYTIME.Fits in any parking space.Perfect city car,easily keeps up with traffic.Gave up my 5 year old SUV.And of course,that great Toyota reliability!

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  im lovin it!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Alexiander Soler - August 10 - 2:00 am

  i love this car...best descision i ever made

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  A Big Car in a Small Package!!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Dougn - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I Love this car...It has a great ride when on the road. It is quiet in the cabin and has a roomy interior. This is my First Toyota and I am very impressed with this car.I have had Nissans in the past and they were good cars but this car looks and feels so much classier.This car is a must for everyone who wants to save on gas and wants a big car feel in a small package.

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  Gota Love it! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Sassydion - August 10 - 2:00 am

  In 1985 I purchased my very first brand new car, and it was a Corolla... Years later my next new car was a 2004 Toyota Corolla! I love my car and this model and design is FANTASTIC! I have a black one with painted on pin strips and of course "Gold Package". I do alot of turnpike traveling and I feel very confident that I will not break down and if the weather is bad my car will make it to my destination!

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  Great, Great Little Car! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyguy - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second new Corolla. My last one was a 95 that went for 160+ thousand miles. This 04 is a fun little car. It feels really big inside, looks sporty outside. Im getting 33 MPG combined city/highway. I added bigger wheels and wider tires and that helped the handling (its tall, so it sways a bit in the corners.) Its fit and finish is like a luxury car -- very impressive. Its a kick on the road and not on the pocketbook.

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  best vehicle ever! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dmdmsw - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is our first minivan. And being previous SUV owners, this van is a dream having kids! We will never go back to a SUV! Toyota again lives up to its reputation with a well designed, well built, smooth riding van. After driving and comparing the Honda and the Nissan...there is no comparison!

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  Superbly dependable and comfortable car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By tosh - August 9 - 10:46 pm

  This Camry is a second V6 XLE I own. Both have been manufactured in Japan. I have never had any repair other than minor scratches and regular maintenance. I use the dealership for service as I found that Toyota service is about the same as others.Because I no longer commute to work, I have a low mileage but it is so comfortable to drive on long trips. It has a great pick up at every traffic light and I have to watch my speed at all times. It is a different kind of "fun to drive" from RX7 I used to drive, but I feel quite secure in this car. Cargo space is sufficient. I will keep it for a while as at present I have only 55000 miles on it.